Kingbolts and Kingpins

Kingbolts and Kingpins

(in Russian, shkvoren’). The pivot of a hinge joint between parts in transportation vehicles is called a kingbolt or a kingpin. Depending on context, the Russian word shkvoren’ may mean either “kingbolt” or “kingpin.”

In diesel locomotives, electric locomotives, and railroad cars, kingbolts are used, for example, to connect the wheeled trucks with one another or with the vehicle frame. A kingbolt is a vertical bolt.

In motor vehicles, kingpins are used to connect the front axle or, in the case of independent front suspension, the front-wheel supports with the steering knuckles, from which the steering spindles for the front wheels project. Kingpins are usually rigidly attached to the axle or the front-wheel supports and are inclined in two vertical planes to improve the steerability and stability of a motor vehicle and also to provide the proper wheel geometry, which affects the tires.

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